After years of experience caring for a person who has Alzheimer’s, you can predict certain behaviors. But in the beginning, before you really know what is wrong, your best quality may be your sense of humor.

I always knew there were some things about my parent’s lives that were none of my business, like how much money Dad made or how their money was spent. Nine years ago, I had to learn that sometimes you have to put the past behind and get a grip on what is currently happening.

When I was growing up, Betty and her family lived right across the street and our families were always the best of friends. We would run over to say a quick hello or borrow some sugar for making a pie.